Ross County 2 - 2 Hearts RECAP: Robbie Neilson's men stay unbeaten but frustration with draw
The Jam Tarts come into the game in third place after three wins and two draws following promotion from the Championship.
Robbie Neilson’s men have already won on the road at St Mirren and Dundee United, difficult venues for the club in the past. Hearts, however, are unbeaten in seven trips to the Global Energy Stadium.
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Hide AdRoss County have had a tricky start to the season, picking up just two points. However, they have already played last season’s top four in their first five matches under new management in Malky Mackay.
For Hearts, it is the first of three games where they will be looking to collect nine points.
They may have to do so without Michael Smith, however.
We will have all the latest from Dingwall throughout the afternoon, including updates, reaction and analysis.
Ross County v Hearts LIVE: Updates, reaction and analysis from Dingwall
Key Events
- Kick-off 3pm
- Team news 1.45pm
- How to watch live
HT: Ross County 2 - 1 Hearts
It has been an eventful encounter in Dingwall so far. The visitors lead 2-1 at the interval but it could easily be 3-3.
Hearts took the lead thanks to some slick play from defence through midfield and then to Liam Boyce who scored his 26th goal on his 50th appearance for the club. It owed to some good movement with positional play. Moore tucked in to allow Halkett to go forward with the ball and Kingsely’s advanced position on the left saw GMS move infield where he got space to get the ball and set up Liam Boyce.
County, however, scored straight away. Spittal found space at the edge of the box to score low past Gordon.
That has been Hearts’ biggest issue, the space the County attacker is getting behind the midfield. He has been at the heart of the Staggies good play and set up good chances. The home side have done well pressing.
And it was he who put County ahead running on to convert a Charles-Cook cut back.
Hearts have created good openings, moving the ball forward and wide quickly but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping has meant they trail at the break and it’s the first time they have been behind this season.
Goal Ross County
Regan Charles-Cook skips past Baningime down the left, cuts the ball back and Spittal turns the ball past Gordon and into the back of the net via Souttar.
It should be 2-1 Hearts
The visitors go on the attack as Gnanduillet slides in GMS with a great pass but the winger spoons over a shots with his weaker right foot.
County again
Work down the left from Charles-Cook sees the wide man whip in a cross which goes over White but is met by Callachan who can only steer the ball over the bar.
Great Ross County chance
Spittal gets in the whole again and zips a pass through to Callachan. He fires a low cross which is missed by both Souttar and White coming in behind him.
Stoppage play
There could be a decent break in play. Jordan White has gone down with blood pouring from his head after an aerial challenge which involved Craig Halkett and Taylor Moore.
Gnanduillet with another effort
The big Frenchman got on the end of a Boyce cross but didn’t get the power to beat Maynard-Brewer.
A brilliant save
Gnanduillet so nearly scores - in fact the visiting support had started celebrating.
A smart turn and shot from the edge of the box was met by a brilliant hand from Maynard-Brewer.